What UK Homeowners Need To Know About Installing A Pool
Swimming pools have become seriously popular in the past few years in the UK. In the same vein that more people have installed hot tubs since the start of the 2020 lockdown measures, more and more people have been investing in in-ground and above-ground pools. There are thought to be 270,000 in-ground pools in private residences in the UK, mainly in the southern part of the country, where they experience warmer weather for more extended periods.
While homes with tools in the ground aren’t a common thing in the UK, there isn’t the climate for all-year-round outdoor pools; more people are erecting larger above-ground pools to enjoy in the warmer weather we have been experiencing in recent years.
But what do you need to know before installing a pool, whether above or in the ground?
Space
No one really needs an Olympic-sized pool at home, but regardless you still need to consider the size of your garden and the type of pool you are getting. So while a bigger pool might sound better on paper, you can go too big with your pool for your garden. You need to be able to move around the garden freely and still be able to use the space, not simply have it as a host for your pool.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Next, you need to think carefully about the cleaning and upkeep of your pool. Unless you’re getting a little paddling pool, you can drain quickly; you must ensure that the water is clean and safe to use at all times. You should be checking the pH levels daily and adjusting them when required. You also need to ensure it is kept clean and clear from debris, so this could be practising good hygiene, i.e. not eating, drinking or dragging dirt into the pool, or covering it when not in use to avoid leaving or rubbish finding its way in.
You also need to ensure that any equipment for your pool is in good working order. Be it ensuring the lining isn’t damaged, you get a pump repair if you realise your pump isn’t working, or you are using the right chemicals to keep your water safe to swim in.
Cost
Lastly, you need to think about the initial cost and the ongoing cost of installing, filling and upkeep a pool. Of course, the exact figures will depend on your pool. An above-ground pool can easily run from £1,500 to £15,000, while an inground pool can be anywhere from £50,000 upwards, depending on the size, finish and liner. From here, you need to factor in the cost of filling your pool. In many cases, anything larger than a paddling pool might not be able to be filled via your home water supply, meaning you need a specialist company to fill the pool for you. From here, if you have a heated pool, you need to consider the cost of keeping this turned on, which can easily run upwards of £10 per day. And you have your chemicals and cleaning requirements which will again require an ongoing cost on a weekly monthly basis to ensure your pool is safe to swim in and use.
Conclusion
While swimming pools in homes in the UK aren’t standard, this doesn’t mean you should consider adding on if you have the space and finances available to do so. You just need to be aware of the upfront and ongoing costs of keeping your pool in its best condition to get maximum use and enjoyment from it.
*This is a collaborative post.
